How a budget gets decided

Council priority-setting workshop

The City Council picks the handful of top issues it wants the next year's budget to support.

This year's priorities: Public safety, Climate action, Downtown vibrancy, Housing, Safe routes.

Study session — CIP and budget direction

Council gives staff early direction on big-ticket items — including how much General Fund money to move into capital projects.

Public budget workshop

Staff present their recommended budget. Open to the public. Not the formal place to weigh in — that's the hearing in June — but it's your first look at what's being proposed.

Budget public hearing

This is the main moment for residents to speak. Public comment is open to anyone. Council doesn't vote here; they listen, ask questions, and may direct staff to make changes.

California state final budget adoption deadline

The final California state budget is adopted. This is the last opportunity for the state to restore the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) backfill that was excluded from the May 14, 2026 budget revise.

Budget adoption

Council votes on the final budget. Once adopted, it's the legal spending plan for the year starting July 1.

New fiscal year begins

The adopted budget takes effect. The City may now spend on the things in the plan.